CHICAGO—OpenWays’ Mobile Key, together with Ariane Systems and KABA Saflok, recently introduced a joint Mobile Key front desk bypass solution for check-in. The 100 percent automated self-service check-in solution brings together Ariane System’s Allegro check-in system and Saflok’s RT next-generation RFID locking system with factory-installed OpenWays Mobile Key built in. The integrated solution was deployed first in Oslo, Norway. “There is no smarter or greener check-in solution than Mobile Key,” said Pascal Metivier, OpenWays founder and CEO. “Our three companies have leveraged mobile technology unlike any other to deliver a guest check-in experience that is unsurpassed. The solution is sustainable,...

PERTH AMBOY, N.J.—Monarch Robe & Towel Co., a leading supplier of fine bathrobes and towels to the global hospitality industry, announces the full acquisition of its biggest rival, Cypress Luxury Bath & Bed Amenities, from Russell Newman Brands. The acquisition, which was finalized July 13, includes all Cypress trademarks, products and inventory, and establishes the combined company as a leading manufacturer and distributor of bathrobes, towels and linens. Operations for both Cypress and Monarch will continue as normal during the merger process, which is already under way. Although the two companies have been spirited rivals for many years, they share...

FRANKLIN PARK, ILL.—Sloan announced the hiring of Mike Gipson as product line manager, Flushometers, and Carrie Halle as product strategy manager. Gipson will be responsible for managing and marketing the flushometer product line. While serving as the voice of the customer for this product category, Gipson’s duties will include defining flushometer product strategy, positioning and pricing strategies. He will work closely with Sloan’s new product development team, as well as with quality, supply chain, customer service and technical support teams to ensure customer needs are met.  Gipson has more than 20 years of experience in product and brand management, most recently...

BETHESDA, MD.—Leaders in the recently launched Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium welcome its newest member, Contract Decor International, a source for high-quality, custom-manufactured window treatments and bedcovers. The Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium, led by MindClick SGM, is working collaboratively to develop an industry-wide Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Index (HSPI). HSPI will help hotel owners purchase products that both reduce their properties’ environmental impact, and contribute to guest comfort, health and well-being.“We recognize and fully support the Consortium’s commitment to greening the hotel industry through purchasing,” said Michael Handler, CEO of Contract Decor. “Working closely with designers, brands, purchasing firms and owners...

NEW CASTLE, DEL.—Speakman Company recently unveiled the newly redesigned Anystream Icon 8-Jet showerhead. The Icon 8-Jet, also known as the Speakman #1 is one of Speakman’s most recognizable showerheads. The newly redesigned Anysteam Icon 8-Jet showerhead joins the Icon 6-jet showerhead, which was redesigned and introduced in March. The Anystream Icon showerheads have undergone many changes over the years but still retain their signature spray performance which made them known throughout the plumbing and hospitality industry. Upgrades to the product include a metal faceplate free from screw holes, contoured peanut handle, and extended body to create a smooth body shape up...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes ECPAT-USA (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking) as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. ECPAT-USA offers TassaTags, luggage tags made by women at The Regina Center in Nongkhai, Thailand. A TassaTag (Travelers Against Sex Slavery and Trafficking) is a 4" x 6" bright, hand-woven cotton, fair trade luggage tag that helps one spot one’s luggage more easily. Proceeds from the sale of TassaTags support ECPAT-USA’s efforts against child sex tourism. Working with ECPAT organizations around the world, ECPAT-USA promotes the “Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children...

MOONACHIE, N.J.—BULBRITE has received a Platinum ADEX award for its 2012 EISA-compliant Halogen A19 lamp, an energy-efficient lamp designed to comply with the 2012 Energy Independence and Security Act that is scheduled to take effect January 1. The upcoming legislation requires general service light bulbs to operate up to 30 percent more efficient than current standards require. The Eco-friendly Halogen A19 was introduced 20 months in advance, to help lighting distributors, specifiers and other professionals prepare for the lamp changes. “Our EISA-compliant lamp has received a strong response from the industry,” explained Cathy Choi, president of BULBRITE “ADEX recognizes our...

SAINT PAUL, MINN.—3M Architectural Markets introduces the 3M Sunlight Delivery System, a new daylighting solution that captures and harnesses sunlight in an energy-efficient lighting system for commercial buildings. This hybrid system combines multiple technologies to bring sunlight deep into interior spaces and provides consistent light levels throughout the day. The technology holds promise for both energy efficiency and improving the productivity and morale of building employees.  The 3M sunlight delivery system provides the industry with a new method of daylighting that offers significantly greater capabilities than existing alternatives. Traditional daylighting methods such as skylights or tubular daylighting devices present a...

CROSSVILLE, TENN.—Crossville, Inc. announced that it has become the first tile manufacturer in the United States to achieve certification of its waste recycling programs through Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), an independent, third-party certifier of recycled claims. Crossville has joined with TOTO, the world’s largest manufacturer of sustainable, luxury plumbing products, to recycle that company’s pre-consumer fired sanitary ware. This material from TOTO has been recently certified by SCS as part of the EcoCycle Fired Waste Process, marking the latest development in Crossville’s EcoCycle Recycling Processes program. SCS has verified that through these recycling processes, Crossville annually recycles approximately 12 million...

SAN DIEGO—Cali Bamboo, a manufacturer of green building materials for residential and commercial projects made primarily from bamboo, launched its BamDeck Composite Bamboo Decking made from 100 percent recycled materials. With durability characteristics twice the density and strength of other decks, it’s the only decking product made from 30 percent recycled bamboo fibers and 70 percent recycled plastics. “We’re really excited about the launch of BamDeck Composite,” said Jeff Goldberg, CEO of Cali Bamboo. “Not only is it the ultimate green choice in outdoor decking, but it’s incredibly easy to install using the hidden fastening system. Another factor that residential...